Nintendo Switch OLED vs Switch vs Switch Lite – price, specs, and value for money

CONSIDERING buying a Nintendo Switch but not sure which you should go for? Help is at hand!

We've broken down the key differences between the Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch Lite, and the new Nintendo Switch OLED model.

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• Where to pre-order the Nintendo Switch OLED in the UK and US

Nintendo Switch

The Nintendo Switch launched in 2017, positioned as a hybrid handheld-home console.

A slightly revised model rolled out in 2019 with improved battery life, but it wasn't a significant enough update to be branded as a new console.

For handheld gaming, the Nintendo Switch sports a 6.2-inch LCD touchscreen and offers 720p resolution.

When it's docked, you get 1080p resolution and support for titles capable of running at 60fps.

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The Nintendo Switch is powered by a custom Nvidia Tegra X1 chip, which is the case with all three models.

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The chips are largely the same in terms of power, with the only difference being improved battery efficiency in subsequent models.

European gamers are in luck on the price front, with the Switch recently getting a permanent price cut.

US gamers didn't see the same discount roll out, but comparatively, the Switch is still cheaper in the US than it is in Europe – even after the price cut.

Available in neon red and blue, grey, and a delightful Animal Crossing: New Horizons edition, you can swap out the Joy-Cons for even more colourways.

It comes in at / . You can check out the full Nintendo Switch specs list below.

• Screen: 6.2-inch LCD touchscreen
• Resolution: 720p handheld / 1080p docked
• CPU/GPU: Custom Nvidia Tegra X1 
• Storage: 32GB
• Connectivity (console):
  • 3.5mm audio jack
  • microSD
  • USB type C
• Connectivity (dock):
  • USB type A (USB 2.0 compatible) x2 on the side, 1 on the back
  • System connector
  • AC adapter port
  • HDMI port
• Battery life: Approx. 4.5 - 9 hours
• Charging time: Approx. 3 hours
• Size: 102mm x 242mm x 13.9mm / 4-inches x 9.4-inches x 0.55-inches (with Joy-Con attached)
• Weight: Approx. 297g / 0.66 lbs (with Joy-Cons attached: 398g / 0.88 lbs

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Nintendo Switch OLED

The Nintendo Switch OLED is a moderately upgraded version of the Switch, with the main difference being the screen.

The Switch OLED boasts a 7-inch OLED screen, hence the moniker.

OLED panels typically offer better contrast and a wider range of colours but can be prone to screen burn. Luckily there are ways to avoid it and keep your Switch OLED safe.

The chip is the same so don't expect a more powerful console, and the battery life is pretty much identical.

Another upgrade for those of you who play online is the wired LAN port on the dock – however, you can buy the dock separately.

It's compatible with the original Switch so if you're happy with your LCD screen, you can treat yourself to a new dock instead for a better online experience.

The Switch OLED is available in neon red and blue, and a new off-white colourway. It retails for / . You can check out the full specs list below.

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• Screen: 7-inch OLED touchscreen
• Resolution: 720p handheld / 1080p docked
• CPU/GPU: Custom Nvidia Tegra X1 
• Storage: 64GB
• Connectivity (console):
  • 3.5mm audio jack
  • microSD
  • USB type C
• Connectivity (dock):
  • USB type A (USB 2.0 compatible) x2 on the side
  • System connector
  • AC adapter port
  • HDMI port
  • Wired LAN port 
• Battery life: Approx. 4.5 - 9 hours
• Charging time: Approx. 3 hours
• Size: 102mm x 242mm x 13.9mm / 4-inches x 9.5-inches x 0.55-inches (with Joy-Con attached)
• Weight: Approx. 320g / 0.71 lbs (with Joy-Cons attached: 420g / 0.93 lbs

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Nintendo Switch Lite

The Nintendo Switch Lite is essentially a handheld-only variant of the Nintendo Switch.

It's done away with the detachable Joy-Cons, and has a smaller, 5.5-inch LCD display.

The console houses a custom Nvidia Tegra X1 chip which is a tad more battery efficient than the version found in the original Switch.

The handheld is perfect for commuters, kids, or those who want a handheld and aren't too bothered about paying Nintendo Switch games on their TV.

It also comes in a selection of vibrant colours including Blue, Yellow, Grey, Turquoise, and Coral.

You can pick it up for / . Check out the full list of specs below:

• Screen: 5.5-inch LCD touchscreen
• Resolution: 720p
• CPU/GPU: Custom Nvidia Tegra X1 
• Storage: 32GB
• Connectivity (console):
  • 3.5mm audio jack
  • microSD
  • USB type C
• Battery life: Approx. 3 - 7 hours
• Charging time: Approx. 3 hours
• Size: 91mm x 208mm x 13.9mm / 3.6-inches x 8.2-inches x 0.55-inches
• Weight: Approx. 275g / 0.61 lbs

All prices in this article were correct at the time of writing, but may have since changed. Always do your own research before making any purchase.

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Looking for a PlayStation 5? Keep an eye on this week's PS5 restocks.

Meanwhile, Xbox gamers can pick up an Xbox Series X Far Cry 6 bundle at GameStop this week.

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And here's when the Nintendo Switch OLED launches in the UK and US this week.

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